Russia says it provides air cover to YPG in eastern Syria

The Russian military said Monday it has provided air cover to the PKK Syrian affiliate Democratic Union Party's (PYD) People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in eastern Syria.


Maj. Gen. Yevgeny Poplavsky said that Russian warplanes have flown 672 missions in support of the YPG-dominated SDF and other volunteer units fighting Daesh east of the Euphrates River.

Poplavsky, speaking at Sunday's meeting involving tribal leaders from eastern Deir ez-Zor province, also noted that Russian military advisers helped coordinate their fight against the Daesh in the east.

Poplavsky's statement, released Monday by the Russian Defense Ministry, was seen as part of Moscow's efforts to strengthen ties with the PKK-affiliated militias.
 [dailysabah.com]
 4/12/17